Ammunition magazine

[0001] The invention relates to an ammunition magazine. Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of firearms, in particular the improved ammunition magazine.

Background of the Invention [0002] Ammunition magazines are well known in the field of firearms. Their basic construction is a covering shell, "housing" or "body" with two open ends. One end is considered the "bottom" of the magazine and is covered by the plate, while the opposite end is the "leading" end and is connected to the weapon. Inside the space defined by the housing and the plate there is a spring and the dispenser assembly. When the ammunition is loaded into the magazine, the ammunition pushes the dispenser down towards the bottom, and thus compresses the spring. In use, when one ammunition cartridge is used up, the compressed spring expands and pushes the feeder and the appropriate ammunition up towards the feed end, and thus the next ammunition cartridge is prepared.

[0003] Known magazines have been produced in many different configurations and from different materials. Probably the best known in the US are AK-47 magazines and USGI AR 15 / M 16 magazines. These magazines work similarly, although they are made with minor changes to connect to their native system. A noticeable difference is that the AK-47 magazine has a relatively continuous curvature, while the AR 15 / M 16 magazine has a less curved lower area that gradually changes into a more linear function towards the lead end. Both use the same type of internal system. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that both of them and all magazine systems with a dispatcher mean that such a system works well only when the dispatcher moves smoothly and evenly inside the magazine. Since the carrier must move, there is space for the carrier in all known prior art magazines for axial displacement, or there is longitudinal runout and blockage. This is often the case with magazines like the AR15 / M16, because the magazine geometry is inevitably heterogeneous.

[0004] DE 32 08 504 A1 describes an ammunition magazine comprising a cylindrical housing having mainly a rectangular cross-section and first and second open ends, a forwarder located inside the housing, and the forwarder includes a forwarder platform with two opposing claws extending towards the second end and substantially perpendicular and further away from it; the bottom plate, suitable for connecting the magazine at the other end, and the dispenser spring, seated between the dispenser and the bottom plate; these fangs limit the rotation of the dispenser with the housing.

[0005] Embodiments of the invention show a polymer magazine with angularly shaped guide rails for connection to an internal carrier, thus limiting axial movement of the carrier. This magazine has a loading indicator and a two-piece blocking system for the bottom plate. The embodiments of the invention depart from the prior art in that the magazine according to the embodiments of the invention allows a more stable and even movement of the dispenser when the magazine is being loaded and unloaded.

Summary of the Invention [0006] In light of the above disadvantages associated with known types of ammunition magazines, embodiments of the invention show an improved magazine. Thus, the main purpose of embodiments of the invention is to provide a new and improved magazine that is compatible with known weapon platforms, and provides a more stable forwarder and forwarder path.

[0007] To achieve these goals, the improved ammunition magazine according to claim 1 comprises two lateral, angularly shaped guide rails and a ridge within the magazine housing and a carrier that is configured to rest on it. By connecting to a more internal structure, all of the adverse linear and axial displacement is prevented, and the forwarder is more stable in its displacement. The magazine may also have a polymer construction and loading indicator system. The magazine may also have a lid for storage.

[0008] According to the invention there is provided an ammunition magazine as claimed in claim 1.

[0009] Further particular and advantageous features of the invention are set out in the attached independent and dependent claims. The features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as needed.

[0010] In embodiments, the magazine further includes at least one window in the housing through which the spring is visible.

[0011] In embodiments, the magazine further includes a wreath around the other end and a bottom plate capable of engaging in the wreath-sliding relationship.

[0012] In embodiments, the bottom plate further includes a locking plate with a tongue and an outer bottom plate with a complementary folded gap, and a shelf suitable for connecting to the rim, the inner blocking plate also having a support ridge extending therefrom opposite side to the tab. [0013] In the embodiments, the magazine further includes a tab extending inwardly from the tip of the spine and a hook located in the carrier platform for attachment to the tab, and thus the carrier is prevented from escaping from the magazine through the first end.

[0014] In embodiments, the magazine further includes a wreath around the other end and a bottom plate capable of engaging in a sliding relationship on the wreath.

[0015] In embodiments, the bottom plate further comprises an inner tab locking plate and an outer bottom plate with complementary matching gap and a shelf suitable for connecting to the rim.

[0016] The more important features of embodiments of the invention have therefore been sketched for a better understanding of the more detailed description given below and for a better understanding of the invention's contribution to the prior art. Additional features of the embodiments of the invention will be described below and will be the essence of the solutions according to the following claims.

[0017] Many purposes of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims, making reference to the figures of the attached drawing forming part of this description, in which similar markings indicate the respective parts in several views.

[0018] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the structural details and arrangements of the components given in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention as defined in the claims may be implemented in other ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used in this document are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting.

[0019] Therefore, those skilled in the art will be aware that the concept on which this disclosure is based can easily be used as a basis for developing other structures, methods and systems to accomplish several of the purposes of the invention. It is therefore important that the claims are considered to include such equivalent constructions to the extent that they do not fall outside the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0020] The invention is further described only by way of example only with reference to preferred embodiments as illustrated in the figures of the attached drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the magazine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled magazine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the magazine of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the magazine according to an embodiment of the invention without the impact cover;

Fig. 5 is a rear view of the magazine of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the magazine of Fig. 5 taken along lines 6-6;

Fig. 6a is a perspective view of the bottom plate and blocking plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6b is a horizontal side view of the bottom plate and the locking plate of Fig. 6a;

Fig. 6c is another perspective view of the bottom plate and locking plate of Fig. 6a;

Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the magazine housing according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the magazine housing of Fig. 7 taken along lines 8-8 and redirected from the bottom down;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9a is a side elevational view of the carrier of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9b is a front horizontal view of the feeder of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9c is a horizontal rear view of the carrier of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9d is a bottom plan view of the carrier of Fig. 9;

Fig. 9e is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of Fig. 9d taken along lines 9e-9e;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the impact cover according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10a is a side elevational view of the impact cover of Fig. 10;

Fig. 10b is a front horizontal view of the shock cover of fig. 10;

Fig. 10c is a horizontal rear view of the impact cover of Fig. 10;

Fig. 10d is a bottom plan view of the impact cover of Fig. 10;

Fig. 10e is a cross-sectional view of the impact cover of Fig. 10d taken along lines 10e-10e;

Figures 11a-11c are further horizontal views showing the use of the impact cover as a magazine unloading tool;

Figures 12a-12c are further horizontal views showing the use of an impact cover for dismantling the magazine;

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a magazine according to the invention;

Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of the magazine of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a bottom plan view of the magazine of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the magazine of Fig. 13 with the impact cover in the position set on the magazine;

Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of the magazine of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a bottom plan view of the magazine of Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the magazine of Fig. 16;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of the magazine of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the outer magazine components along the same section line as in Fig. 19;

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the outer magazine components along the same section line as in Fig. 20;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view from the left, front and top of the reference to the alternative embodiment of the magazine illustrated in Fig. 13;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view from the left, rear and above of the cross-reference device of Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 is a plan view from above of the carrier of Fig. 23;

Fig. 26 is a horizontal view from the left of the cross-reference device in Fig. 23;

Fig. 27 is a front horizontal view of the feeder of Fig. 23;

Fig. 28 is a rear view of the cross section of Fig. 23;

Fig. 29 is a bottom plan view of the feeder of Fig. 23;

Fig. 30 is a perspective view from the left, front and bottom of the feeder of Fig. 23;

Fig. 31 is a perspective view from the left, rear and bottom of the reference body of Fig. 23.

Description of Embodiments [0021] Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an ammunition magazine is described here. It should be understood that the terms for the singular used in this description include plural designations, unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1, the magazine 1 generally has a housing 10 having a bottom end 13 and an inlet end 17. An inlet protrusion 21 is provided at the inlet end 17 to connect to the weapon and guide the cartridges into the firing chamber of that weapon. The lower end is covered by the lower plate 20, which is fixed by the locking plate 25. The spring 35 rests on the locking plate 25, centered by the walls 24 and the combination of the bottom plate 20 and provides stress for biasing the feeder 30 and the bottom plate 20, so that the feeder 30 will progressively move in the magazine housing 10 as the ammunition is used up. The bottom plate 20 slides on the rim 23 of the lower end 13, using a shelf to connect to the rim, and at the same time on the locking plate 25. The bottom plate 20 and the locking plate 25 join together with the tab 26 on the locking plate resting inside the slot 27 of the bottom plate (shown in Figs. 6-6c), so the bottom plate 20 holds the magazine 1 and the locking plate 25 holding the locking plate 20 laterally when it is pushed to the bottom plate 20 by the spring, the bottom plate 20 not slipping from the magazine 1. The protective impact housing 40 is also used for storage. The magazine 1 also has two indicator windows 15 for observing the spring. The indicator, which can be as simple as a colored spot or a suitably placed drop of paint, is spring loaded and can be seen through the windows when the magazine 1 is assembled. In an ideal example, the windows 15 are located on each side of the magazine housing 10 and are close enough to the bottom end that they are not covered when the magazine 1 is inserted into the magazine slot in the weapon.

Figs. 2-4 are views of the magazine 1 assembled, Fig. 4 without the impact cover 40.

[0023] Inside the housing 10 along the front side of the magazine 1 there is a ridge 19 shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. This ridge serves three purposes. The first goal is to provide additional stability and strength to the magazine housing 10. The second goal is to separate the cartridge tips from left to right in their spaced arrangement in the magazine. The third objective is to provide an additional connection to the forwarder 30 to prevent forward and linear pivoting. To place the gripping clamps, the ridge 19 may terminate at a point significantly below the supply projections, about 0.5 inches for the .223 caliber magazine, as shown in Figures 19-22. The housing also has two lateral guide rails 31 extending through the housing 10. These guide rails 31 are flattened at the front and are angled in the rearward direction to provide a more stable support surface for the carrier and to guide the cartridges as they pass through the magazine housing. To avoid collision when inserting cartridges into the weapon, the guide rails 31 should end 31 at approximately the diameter of the feed cartridge end 17 of the magazine housing (as defined by the level at which rib 19 ends at tab 29), or within 1/4 inch for 0.223 magazine. This means, however, that, only in the preferred embodiment, when the guide rails 31 can extend over the entire length of the magazine housing 10, the magazine will continue to function, and not only in the preferred aspect.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 9-9e, the forwarder 30 has two canines, a front canine 33 and a rear canine 37. Both canines are longitudinal and extend from the platform 34. The front canine 33 presses against the ridge 19 and prevents axial displacement, especially displacements caused by a simple act of firing a weapon, which pushes the rear of the ammunition (and shipper 30) down. The rear tusk 37 fits into the trough 11 (Fig. 7) to prevent lateral displacement. The course of the canines significantly prevents axial and lateral displacement, since their course increases contact with the magazine housing and provides greater counter torque when forces would cause such displacement. The reference also has two side arms 36 that are fitted longitudinally into the side ribs 31 to further inhibit rotation. The reference 30 connects to the spring 35 by attaching the spring 35 to the loop 38 and holding the spring 35 through the holding wall 32.

[0025] At the top of the ridge 19 there is a small tab 29 (Figures 6 and 8) which protrudes towards the inside of the magazine 1. The tab 29 serves as a lock preventing the dispenser 30 from coming out of the supply end 17 of the magazine 1. It is connected to the latch 39 used in cross-reference 30 (Figures 9, 9b and 9e). In the embodiment shown in Figs. 19-22, the tab 29 is, of course, lower than the supply projections. Reference 30 as shown in Fig. 23-31, moreover, has a chamfered groove 90 to allow still blocking of the dispenser 30, but in such a way as to allow it to be fully raised relative to the magazine. The groove 90 further allows the joint to reduce the adverse tilting of the carrier. The locking plate 25 may also have a ridge 96 for connection to the bottom of the carrier 30 when the magazine is fully loaded to support the carrier 30 and the cartridge set and to reduce spring fatigue as shown in Fig. 19 - 22.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the magazine housing is made of glass-reinforced, thermoplastic polymer selected to withstand heat generated as a result of firing from a rifle. However, other polymers such as polycarbonate can be used here, and magazines can be made in any color or degree of transparency (which can reduce or eliminate the need for a magazine level indicator). Some polymers, such as polycarbonate, can be used without reinforcement. Other reinforcing materials, such as steel, carbon fibers or other materials, can also be used to reinforce the magazine. Similarly, the magazine housing can be made of other materials having adequate strength and durability, such as titanium, ceramics, laminates, amorphous metals, etc. The link is preferably made of polyoxymethylene, a commercially available acetal resin from DuPont under the trade name DELRIN®, although other materials are suitable, not just preferred.

[0027] The magazine 1 is constructed so that its structural integrity is increased. To this end, the ridge 19 provides additional durability to the magazine. The protective cover 40 also provides reinforcement during storage, as pressure from accumulated ammunition and springs 35 would push normally the supply projections 21 of the magazine 1 out of each other. The protective cover 40 shown in fig. 10-10e, is connected by means of a geometrical element, namely notch 44 and hinge base 48, on magazine housing 10 with latch 43 and cover hinge 47 (Figures 2, 3 and 4), and pushes the ammunition down with the bottom spacer 45, and thus absorbs and distributes forces that would normally act on the supply projections 21 in a more favorable manner. Geometric elements 92 can be added to the magazine to allow the lid to be attached to the bottom of the magazine also for storage (Figs. 13-18). A double notch can be used (Fig. 17) because these geometrical elements can favorably contribute to the forming process.

[0028] The lid 40 also serves as a magazine tool when the lid latch 43 will fit between the supply projections 21 to push the ammunition cartridges 50 out of the magazine 1 (Figures 11a-11c). It also has a special check element 49 to determine whether the supply protrusions 21 have split or have been compressed in such a way that they prevent the weapon magazine from working. The check element 49 is an expanding area, specially sized depending on the size of the ammunition, slightly above the pawl 43. The working magazine 1 will accommodate the pawl 43 between the supply projections 21, but will not accommodate the check element. If the pawl 43 cannot fit between the supply protrusions 21, then the supply protrusions 21 have been compressed in some way, probably due to impact or damage after compression, and the magazine 1 is then unusable. If the inspection element 49 can fit between the supply projections 21, then the supply projections 21 have been moved apart, probably due to prolonged storage without the impact cover 40, the magazine 1 is unusable. The width of the checking element and pawls will depend on the type of ammunition used. Similarly, this magazine 1 is suitable for use in many different weapon platforms, each with its own tolerances. The widths of pawl 43 and checking element 49 will depend on these tolerances and different weapon platforms may be taken into account simply by using a different version of the impact cover 40 for such a platform without changing the magazine as a whole. The impact cover 40 can also be used to press the tab 26 of the locking plate to remove the bottom plate 20 (Figs. 12a-12c).

[0029] It should also be noted that the magazine housing 10 is a continuous internal curve slightly straightened near the rear surface of the supply projections, only to allow connection to the weapon. Therefore, the carrier 30 and the ammunition associated therewith move more smoothly through the magazine housing 10, with smaller cartridge misalignments.

[0030] Embodiments illustrate an ammunition magazine, preferably made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, using a structurally reinforcing ridge, optionally together with angled guide rails and a dispenser adapted to connect with guide rails, to reduce longitudinal runout. The preferred embodiment may also have a protective cover that distributes forces from the spring to more structurally stable areas of the magazine, thus reducing the tipping of the feed end, possibly together with an ammunition indicating system comprising at least one window and a noticeable marker on the spring of the carrier. The carrier and magazine housing can be designed to be connected to prevent the carrier from jumping out of the supply end, while in the lower magazine plate it is possible to use a locking plate and the possibility of sliding movement between the lower plate, the locking plate and the magazine to secure the bottom plate on the housing magazine. The lid may optionally have built-in tools for, inter alia, loading and unloading the magazine.

[0031] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to an exact embodiment, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the attached claims.